Source: Royals, Twins most aggressive on Torii Hunter

With the Tigers dropping out of the race to sign free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter, two other AL Central teams appear to be making the strongest push to sign him. According to a major-league source, the Twins and Royals are the most aggressive teams in talks with Hunter, though there are a "number of teams" that are still "very interested" in signing the veteran outfielder.

Hunter does not appear close to signing at this point, though sources indicate that the right circumstances and offer could cause a deal to come together quickly. The Cubs, Giants, Rangers and Mariners have also been reported to have interest in Hunter, and sources indicate that they are all still in the mix.

Hunter, 39, hit .286/.319/.446 with seventeen home runs and 83 RBI in 142 games for Detroit in 2014, and expressed interest in returning to the Tigers after spending two seasons with the organization. The team's four-year, $68 million commitment to Victor Martinez and rumored pursuit of a reunion with Max Scherzer stretched their budget to a point that would make it difficult for them to bring back Hunter.